Sidney the baby otter (video) CUTE

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior and characteristics of otters, particularly in comparison to ferrets. Participants explore various aspects of otter behavior, their habitat needs, and anecdotal experiences with otters in the wild and in captivity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note differences in behavior between otters and ferrets, highlighting that ferrets tend to hoard objects while otters exhibit different behaviors.
  • One participant shares a personal experience volunteering at an aquarium, describing sea otters as aggressive and unpredictable.
  • A question is raised about whether otters need constant access to water or if they can thrive on land.
  • Another participant asserts that otters primarily live on land and only enter water to catch fish, while sea otters are aquatic.
  • There is a discussion about the term "viscous," with some participants questioning its use in describing otter behavior and suggesting it may refer to their perceived intelligence.
  • Anecdotal observations are shared about the curiosity and social behavior of otters in the wild, with one participant describing interactions with otters near a fishing spot.
  • Concerns are raised about the potential aggressiveness of otters, especially in territorial situations, with descriptions of their physical capabilities and behavior towards humans.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on otter behavior, particularly regarding their aggression and habitat needs. There is no consensus on the implications of the term "viscous" or the overall temperament of otters.

Contextual Notes

Some statements rely on personal anecdotes and may not represent broader behavioral patterns. The discussion includes varying definitions and interpretations of terms related to otter behavior.

turbo
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There are some obvious differences in behavior between this little guy and a ferret kit. The ferret would have taken every portable object, and stashed them in a pile in a location where only he or she would be able to get at them easily. Also, ferrets manipulate things with their front paws and can open doors, drawers, latches, etc. The toy trapped under the plastic basket would have been out of there in a second if Sidney was a ferret.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJjeG4ZFn6E&feature=player_embedded
 
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Also having volunteered at an aquarium i can tell you that otters are viscous little ****** that you can't turn your back on (at least sea otters)
While as a yorkshireman I can confirm that ferrets are friendly and can be safely stored in your trousers.
 
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Do these otters need constant access to water, or could they live well on land?
 
Otters mostly live on land, they only go into the water to catch fish.
Sea otters live in the water all the time
 
mgb_phys said:
otters are viscous little ****** that you can't turn your back on (at least sea otters)
.
VISCOUS? As in viscosity?

What do they do to you, exactly?
 
The otters that we have in our ponds and streams are very curious, and gregarious critters. There is a small pond where I sometimes go to catch a little fly-fishing and about every year, there is another brood of otters living there. The little ones get really close to my canoe, and kick their hind feet so they can get their heads and bodies out of the water as much as possible, to get a better look (fuzzy brown periscopes). Usually mama is barking at them and scolding them, but they are REALLY curious and try to ignore her for at least a while. They've got some pretty impressive teeth, so I've never been tempted to trap one and take it home.
 
arildno said:
VISCOUS? As in viscosity?

What do they do to you, exactly?

I think mgb_phys is saying they're thick...like, stupid.
 
arildno said:
VISCOUS? As in viscosity?
What do they do to you, exactly?
Damn autocomplete!

They will take food from your hand, or your hand - it's all protein, they aren't fussy.
They are also a bit aggressive when there are lady otters around - they have hairy chests and it's hard to swim with a gold medallion so they have to show off in other ways.

In the wild they are worse, they will go for divers that are in their territory. Sea otters can be fairly big - easily the size of a very large dog, have big teeth and swim better than you.